Loving

Starring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Marton Csokas, Bill Camp, Nick Kroll, Michael Shannon, Terri Abney, Alano Miller
Directed by: Jeff Nichols
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama, Romance
2016

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred (Ruth Negga) Loving are arrested for interracial marriage in Virginia in the 1960s. Their case eventually goes to the Supreme Court.

Review:

Tim: I really wanted to love Loving. It felt like the right movie at a time in our nation's history when racism is once again in front of everyone's faces (it never went away, but it's more visible now). I also really like the potential of director Jeff Nichols, and he's already delivered my favorite movie of 2016 (Midnight Special). In the end, I liked this film. Couldn't love it.

This is an important movie, an interesting movie about two Americans of whom most people have never heard. Their relationship changed America. It's absolutely worth watching a movie about their life, reflecting on it, and applying it to today's world. I'm really, really happy I watched this movie so I could learn about Richard and Mildred. This film is certainly worth seeing.

The problem is that the film is pretty boring. It feels overly long, even at 2 hours, 3 minutes. The Loving's story has some truly great moments, but there are long stretches that are average at best. The best movies about racism elicit raw, powerful emotions- anger, shame, a great sense of injustice. They make you feel so deeply about the evil and unfairness in the world. This movie never gets the emotions to that fever pitch. It's sad and frustrating, but Nichols isn't able to ratchet the emotions high enough. The same thing can be said about the positive emotions about the Lovings. They seemed like good people, but their story never felt like my story. I didn't feel their deep connection and love. I wasn't rallying behind them because I cared about them (I rallied behind them because of the great injustice they faced). I don't feel like I truly got under the skin of these characters. That obviously holds the movie back.

Now, the performances were strong. Ruth Negga is going to have a absolutely amazing career. She was nominated (deservedly) for an Academy Award for Best Actress (the film's only nomination). Her performance felt authentic and strong. She's easily the best part of this movie. Joel Edgerton is really good, too- although his accurate portrayal of Richard was a limiter in the recognition department. It doesn't feel like he gives an incredible performance, although he's really good in the role. It was just an odd part. The supporting cast is good, although there aren't really any standouts (Nick Kroll did some good work, though). The film needed a stronger supporting cast.

I'm glad I watched Loving although I'd only consider it a good movie. It's an important story and one I'm very glad Jeff Nichols told. It features some strong performances. However, the movie as a whole isn't a heavyweight in 2016. It's good, but it's a far cry from the best films of the year.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Midnight Special, Mud